Location: Malheur County, OR | Metro: Malheur County, OR
Based on 1% Rule: A+ (≥1.5%) | A (≥1.2%) | B (≥1.0%) | C (≥0.8%) | D (≥0.6%) | F (<0.6%)
| Unit Size | Monthly FMR |
|---|---|
| Studio | $720 |
| 1 Bedroom | $940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,020 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,410 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,700 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $1,972 |
| 6 Bedrooms | $2,209 |
| 7 Bedrooms | $2,386 |
| 8 Bedrooms | $2,505 |
Zillow median home prices vs Section 8 FMR rates (Data: 2026-07-31)
| Bedrooms | Monthly FMR | Median Price | 1% Rule | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1BR | $940 | $164,766 | 0.57% | F |
| 2BR | $1,020 | $239,753 | 0.43% | F |
| 3BR | $1,410 | $304,742 | 0.46% | F |
| 4BR | $1,700 | $356,681 | 0.48% | F |
| 5BR | $1,972 | $401,159 | 0.49% | F |
U.S. Census Bureau data (2024)
The ZIP code 97914 in Ontario, Oregon, presents a mixed profile for real estate investment, leaning towards a steady-cashflow zone rather than a high-yield/low-stability market. The Federal Market Rent (FMR) for the metro area in fiscal year 2026 is set at $1,090, while the market rent stands at $826. This indicates that the rental market is slightly below the federal guideline, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally lucrative environment for rental yields.
A key factor supporting the steady-cashflow classification is the proportion of renters in the area, which is 39.7%. Although this figure is not overwhelmingly high, it does suggest a consistent demand for rentals. The median household income of $50,857 provides further evidence of a stable economic base, capable of sustaining rental payments without excessive risk of default.
The median home value of $305,528 is another critical piece of data. In a high-yield/low-stability market, home values might be significantly lower, indicating a potential for flipping properties. However, the value in ZIP 97914 is moderate, which aligns more closely with long-term rental investments. Additionally, the lack of data on the number of days a property sits on the market (DOM) suggests either a strong rental market or a lack of significant turnover, both of which can contribute to steady cash flow.
In summary, ZIP 97914 offers a balanced approach to real estate investment, characterized by a reasonable rental yield and a relatively stable tenant population. Landlords and small-portfolio investors should find this area suitable for generating reliable income streams, with less emphasis on speculative gains through property flipping.
Data Sources: FMR data from HUD (2027). Median home prices from Zillow (2026-07-31). Demographics from U.S. Census (2024).
About FMR: Fair Market Rent (FMR) is used to determine payment standards for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, initial renewal rents for some expiring project-based Section 8 contracts, and rent ceilings for HOME Investment Partnerships.